Silvery bracts highlight dense clusters of small pinkish flowers from summer to early fall. The flowers are an extraordinarily good source of nectar for smaller types of butterflies. The leaves smell strongly of spearmint when they are crushed and, like many members of the mint family, the leaves may be used in teas.

Benefits

Excellent nectar and pollen source for butterflies and other pollinators

Provides dense groundcover for wildlife

Seed heads provide winter cover for insects

Deer resistant

Vigorous, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in a wide variety of conditions

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow in full sun or light shade. Appreciates consistently moist, well-drained soil. Grows well at the edge of woodlands. Leave the old seed heads and stems standing through the winter to provide shelter for wildlife. Can be aggressive, so plant with like plants such as bee balm and obedient plant.

Height24-36 Inches

Spread24-36 Inches

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Native Range

Moist woods and meadows; Massachusetts to Michigan south to Louisiana and Florida.

Native Trivia

Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and other insects feed on troublesome insects in the garden. To get energy to search for their prey, many beneficial insects feed on nectar (for carbohydrates) and pollen (for protein) from flowering plants.

Mountain Mint is loaded with pulegone, the same insect repellent found in pennyroyal. It can be rubbed on the skin to repel mosquitoes!

"This is the best nectar plant around, with a very long bloom time, so we butterflies visit the flowers often."